his heart bringeth forth that which is good:" in both cases the produce is " from the abundance of the heart '^:" and " the tree is known by its fruits."]
3. By it shall our state be determined in the last
day—
[Even in courts of judicature amongst ourselves, it is not so much the act, as the heart, that is the object of investiga- tion. Murder itself is not accounted murder, if it was not attended with a purpose of heart to injure and destroy. Much more therefore may it be expected that God will inquire into the designs and purposes of our hearts : " He looketh not on the outward appearance, but at the heart:" and " he searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins, on purpose to give to every man according to the fruit of his doings." For this end " he will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart." To our hearts then must we look, if ever we would give up our account with joy : for, as our hearts are, so shall we appear in his sights Let us then not only search and try ourselves, but beg of God also to " search and try us, and to see if there be any wicked way in us, and to lead us in the way everlasting."]
Application —
1. Grudge not your labour in the way to heaven —
[You cannot make any attainments in this life without labour : how then can you hope to attain without it the glory and felicity of heaven? True it is, that heaven is a gift of God ; a gift altogether of his free and sovereign grace : but it is also true, that we must labour for it, according to that direction of our Lord ; " Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you*." Labour then with all earnestness, and constancy, and perseverance. If you be frequently foiled, still return to your post, and increase your vigilance in proportion as you discover the deceitfulness and wickedness of your hearts : and be assured, that, however great your toil may be, heaven will be an abundant reconi- pence for all.]
2. Doubt not but that your labour shall at last be crowned with success —
[Were your success dependent on an arm of flesh, you might well despond : but your God and Saviour is pledged to " carry on in you the work he has begun," and to " perfect that which concerneth you." Your enemies may renew their assaults as often as they will ; but they shall not prevail : for
r Luke vi. 45. s Prov. xxiii. 7. * John vi. 27.
765.1 sinner's retrospect. 59
God has said, that *' No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper^ :" and again, " The law of God is in his heart ; his footsteps shall not slide''." Go on then : " watch ye ; stand fast in the faith ; quit you Hke men ; be strong y :" and know for your comfort what the all-gracious and unchanging God hath spoken; " Be not weary in well-doing; for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not^."]
u Isai. liv. 17. ^ Ps. xxxvii. 31. y 1 Cor. xvi. 13. ^ Gal. vi. 9.